Huntingdonshire racer Jon Railton believes he can challenge for victories again in 2016 after a promising start to his Ducati TriOptions Cup challenge.

The 25 year-old recorded pleasing sixth and fourth-placed finishes in the two opening races of the series at Silverstone last weekend.

Little Paxton-based Railton is a proven performer in this class. He won the title in 2013 and also topped the standings in his class the following year.

Now, after a frustrating 2015 campaign in the National 1000 Superstock Championship, he is hopeful of more success in a series where all riders are aboard Ducati 899 Panigale machines.

Railton said: “There was a question mark ahead of the season as I hadn’t got on well with this bike previously.

“I rode a different model to win this championship in 2013 and then stayed on that again in 2014 when it became a split-model series.

“But we did a bit of pre-season testing and raced at a club meet to get some time on the bike, and I’m much happier with it this time.

“It was a solid start at Silverstone and gives us plenty to build on for the rest of the year. I’ve got less experience on this bike compared to the guys who finished ahead of me, but hopefully I’ve got a bit of improvement to come.

“I believe challenging to win races is a realistic goal, but the next target is to get myself onto the podium. I’m already closer to doing that than I thought I would be at this stage.”

The second round of the series takes place at the Brand Hatch Indy circuit over the weekend of May 20-22.